The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 22, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Jazz Walk will return to Midtown Harrisburg next month (file photo).

This week brought lots of super local news that you won’t find anywhere else. We think we are special in that way, and hope you do too. Catch all of our coverage, below.

The Broad Street Market is in search of new board members to fill three vacant seats, our online story reported. The volunteer board members help make decisions related to the market and support operations.

Friends of TheBurg Bash will return to the King Mansion on Sept. 4 to celebrate all who support TheBurg. Please become our friend, if you haven’t already, and join us to party!

Gruver Farms Winery & Tasting Room opened in New Cumberland this past spring, our magazine story reported. The venue offers a beautiful view and a special focus on dry styles of wine.

Harrisburg officials said that they would send more police downtown and strictly enforce curfew in response to youth engaging in unruly and criminal behavior, our online story reported.

A homeless encampment in south Harrisburg has a move-out deadline of Sept. 22, PennDOT said this week. The large encampment needs to move as the state begins nearby construction on I-83.

Jazz Walk will return to Midtown Harrisburg on Sept. 5, inviting community members to enjoy free performances, our online story reported. The Central PA Friends of Jazz will bring eight musicians and bands to local businesses and venues.

PennDOT announced that it would temporarily close an access point to I-83, as part of the highway widening project, our online story reported. The 19th Street ramp in Harrisburg will close on Aug. 24, and not reopen until a new 19th Street bridge and interchange is completed.

Pink Hands of Hope received its biggest donation to date, all because of an auction accident. Robert Goodall pocket-dialed a bid for a 1968 Mustang, purchasing the antique car, and then giving it to the breast cancer support nonprofit to raffle off. Read the full story, here.

The Plant Witch will open soon in downtown Harrisburg, offering houseplants, crystals and other metaphysical items, our online story reported. The business will cut the ribbon on the shop, located in the Shops on 3rd at 11 N. 3rd St., on Monday.

Sara Bozich has a full Weekend Roundup of events happening in the Harrisburg area. From music to food to fitness, find her listings, here.

Sprocket Mural Works recently completed several new murals in Harrisburg’s Hall Manor housing community. See a selection of photos of the painting process and the finished works, here.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

What Are the Best Platforms to Find Carpool Matches?

August 22, 2025 | by Admin

Many people’s commutes involve traffic, a sense of isolation and high fuel prices. Carpooling offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution to these challenges. Ride-sharing apps can help commuters save money by splitting the cost of fuel and tolls, making getting to work easier and more affordable. Discover the best platforms to find carpool matches.

1. Commute PA

Commute PA is one of the best platforms to find carpool matches. It offers commuting programs in Pennsylvania to help boost mobility and reduce traffic congestion. The carpooling and vanpooling options allow you to connect with commuters with similar routes and schedules to share rides and expenses. Having fewer vehicles traveling daily can help promote a greener planet and cleaner air.

Download the app on your smartphone and use it to explore travel options. Track how much money you save and the miles you didn’t have to drive to earn points. These reward points can be used to claim retailer discounts, restaurant coupons and event tickets. New customers automatically earn 1,000 points. Join the community of over 25,000 members today.

Available on: Android and iOS

Key Features:

Commute calculator: This can help you determine how much you spend on commuting and discover potential savings in a month.
Various greener commute options: You can carpool, transit, walk, bike and vanpool.
Emergency ride home: Registered users get a free ride home in case of unexpected events.
Park and ride options: Locate convenient meeting spots for carpools.

2. Pave Commute

Pave Commute is one of the top platforms for finding carpool matches that champion sustainable commuting. It’s designed for teams and organizations and is an excellent choice for employees seeking cost-effective and eco-friendly transportation solutions. The app allows groups to log every commute, enabling users to monitor emissions saved and celebrate the positive environmental impact of their collective efforts.

The app also fosters team engagement through rewards. Every commute earns coins, which can be used to redeem prizes. HR or transportation managers can also create an incentive program to reward employees for carpooling.

Available on: Android and iOS

Key features:

Carpool matching for teams: The app connects employees within companies for carpooling and other sustainable commuting options.
Rewards program: Earn rewards and public recognition for choosing a more sustainable transportation option.
Impact analytics: The real-time dashboard tracks carbon emissions, participation and team impact.

3. UberX Share

Uber’s UberX Share is a ride-sharing feature that matches your trip with one or two other people headed in the same direction. The app reports that carpooling adds eight minutes to your average trip — an efficient trade-off considering the savings on commuting costs and the positive environmental impact. You can only request a single seat on the app. If riding with friends, request UberX or UberXL.

The order of pickup and dropoff is decided based on where your destination falls along the route, rather than the order of who was picked up first. You can book a ride in advance via the scheduled share feature to lock in your trip ahead of time.

Available on: Android and iOS

Key features:

Cashless payments: Pay securely via the app with multiple payment options.
In-app safety features: You can rate drivers, view profiles and share your trip status with family and friends to ensure safety.
Wide coverage: The platform is available in Harrisburg and most surrounding areas.

4. Commute With Enterprise

Commute With Enterprise is a vanpooling platform available only in the Harrisburg area. It’s one of the best platforms for finding carpool matches for large groups. You can launch the ride-sharing program within your organization to meet sustainability goals or use it for personal trips. The app matches you with five or more commuters nearby, and the company provides a recent-model SUV or van so you can share a ride.

Registered members can volunteer to share driving responsibility. To do so, update your preferences in your profile and submit an application. All vehicles have the latest safety technologies to protect riders on their way to their destinations.

Available on: Website

Key features:

Cost sharing: Split costs for tolls, fuel and parking among all riders.
Sustainability tracking: Track environmental impact and cost savings.
Employer partnership: Many local companies offer subsidies or support for ride-sharing services.

What Are the Best Platforms to Find Carpool Matches?

Here’s a summary of where to find carpool matches in Harrisburg and the surrounding areas.

Platform	Best for
CommutePA	Local commuters seeking community-based carpool matches
Pave Commute	Employers and teams promoting sustainable workplace commutes
UberX Share	Flexible rides in urban and suburban areas
Commute With Enterprise	Groups and employers organizing ride-sharing programs for large groups

Choose the Best Carpool Platform for You

Finding the right platform for carpooling can make your daily commute stress-free. In addition to the financial and environmental benefits, ride-sharing creates opportunities to meet new people, making your travel time more enjoyable.

Sponsored Content

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

August 21, 2025 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

In partnership with

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: This! We’re making some changes to help you navigate this post so every weekend is the best one ever! Worth noting: An abundance of great music and wine events, plus lots of fitness opportunities Things on my agenda this weekend: Catching up with friends, back-to-school prep, Tres Bonne Annee’s Patron Party at The Willows on Sunday

🆕 Quick Weekend Links: Thursday • Friday • Saturday • Sunday

📤 Share this with the friend who always asks, ‘What’s going on this weekend?’ 👨‍💻 Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

New + Noteworthy

you know, ICYMI

wake & bake cafe is now open | TheBurg
PennLive hosted its public forum on downtown – What’s next? (I was there – were you?)
Jazz Walk announced for Sept. 5 in Midtown Harrisburg
Tickets are on sale NOW for Harrisburg’s latest (and greatest) event: Berry Bash – A Fundraiser Supporting Harrisburg River Rescue on Oct. 25 – Want a secret discount? email me. Limited availability.
See what else you missed on the blog
and check out the new “Extras” section at the very bottom

Sara’s Top Picks

what I’m telling my close friends group

Dog owner? Enter to win a free 1-month membership at Greenlin Pet Resort Harrisburg
WIN free tickets to the Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival!
Join me for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Nov. 1!
August SoMa Block Party is Aug. 29

(more…)

Burg Blog: Join us for our annual Burg Bash, in honor of our Friends of TheBurg

August 20, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

Recently, we’ve written stories about the many organizations that are suffering financially due to government budget cuts.

TheBurg doesn’t receive any federal grants, but this reporting has made us even more grateful for the generous support we receive from our community.

So, we wanted to take this occasion to say a huge “thank you” to all who support us, especially our “Friends of TheBurg” members.

Five years ago, we launched our membership program because many readers wanted to know how they could support us, since we give away all our content for free.

Since then, almost 700 individuals, families and businesses have become “Friends of TheBurg,” vastly exceeding our expectations. This has provided us not only with financial support but has affirmed that this community values what we do—our award-winning monthly magazine, our daily news reporting, 3rd in the Burg, and our other services and events.

Once a year, we get to meet and thank you in person. On Sept. 4, for the fourth straight year, we will hold our Friends of TheBurg Bash at the King Mansion in Harrisburg, a night filled with terrific food, drink, music and, most importantly, community. Our annual party, kindly sponsored by UPMC and Enders Insurance, is known for the great conversation of all-things Harrisburg—full of appreciation (and the occasional critique) of our city.

To attend, you must be a Friends of TheBurg member. So, please join today, and we’ll send you an invitation. If you are already a friend, you should have received an invitation, so please look for that in your email and RSVP. More details are above, and you can email any questions to Lauren at [email protected]

We look forward to seeing everyone in two weeks!

Lawrance Binda is publisher and editor of TheBurg.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

PennDOT sets move out deadline for Harrisburg encampment

August 20, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

South Harrisburg encampment in February.

Occupants of Harrisburg’s largest homeless encampment have one month to leave.

According to PennDOT District 8 spokesman Dave Thompson, signs were placed around the south Harrisburg encampment earlier this week, alerting people of a Sept. 22 deadline to move.

Officials have long said that the encampment, located near the PennDOT building on S. Front Street, would need to move as PennDOT begins construction on I-83, impacting the area.

Earlier this month, Dauphin County held a press conference to say that Harrisburg nonprofit Amiracle4sure purchased a plot of land to relocate unhoused community members to. The lot, near Cameron Street and off Shanois Street, began welcoming people soon after, offering assigned tent spaces. Amiracle4sure will manage and provide oversight at the location.

According to Thompson, occupants of the closing encampment are “encouraged” to relocate by Sept. 22. Early construction activities for the I-83 project will begin Sept. 23, he said.

“While PennDOT builds bridges and roads, we are also working to build partnerships with entities such as the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness (CACH) and similar organizations across the commonwealth to ensure that unhoused persons are treated with respect, dignity and connected with the services offered by organizations, such as CACH,” Thompson said.

For those who need help relocating, Thompson said to reach out to CACH.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Plant, crystal shop to open in downtown Harrisburg

August 19, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

The Plant Witch

Something new is sprouting downtown.

Strawberry Square Associates announced this week that a new boutique shop, The Plant Witch, will open in the Shops on 3rd at 11 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg.

The store will offer a selection of houseplants, plant care products, ethically sourced crystals, tarot decks, incense and other metaphysical items. Additionally, they plan to host events such as plant pot painting workshops and bingo nights.

The Plant Witch will hold a ribbon cutting on Monday, Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m. and a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Aug. 30.

“The Plant Witch is more than just a shop—it’s a celebration of nature. We’re thrilled to bring our unique collection of houseplants, crystals and metaphysical items to Harrisburg, and we’re especially proud of our commitment to sustainability,” said owner Ashley Zimmerman.

According to Strawberry Square, the new shop hopes to be a haven for plant enthusiasts and spiritual seekers, and to foster community and connection.

“We are very excited to have The Plant Witch joining us in the Shops on 3rd at Strawberry Square,” said Brad Jones, president of Strawberry Square Associates. “This unique and engaging boutique will encourage interactive in-store events and help to bring a new audience into the downtown.”

For more information, contact Ashley Zimmerman at [email protected] or 717-874-9552 or Brad Jones at [email protected] or 717-255-1041.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Broad Street Market in search of board members to support, govern operations

August 18, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Broad Street Market

The Broad Street Market is looking for shoppers, locals and friends to get involved.

The market announced on Monday that it is in need of new board members to help make decisions and support operations.

“Serving on the Broad Street Market Alliance Board is a chance to help shape the future of a cherished community resource,” said Tashia James, chair of the board. “We’re looking for individuals who bring passion, commitment and creativity, people eager to share their time and talents to ensure the market continues to thrive and grow.”

Currently, there are three vacant at-large seats.

Volunteer board members are expected to participate in monthly meetings, serve on at least one committee, assist with fundraising and occasionally volunteer at the market.

Applications are due on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The board’s nominating committee will review applicants and make recommendations to the full board.

To apply to become a volunteer Broad Street Market board member, click here.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Jazz Walk will bring back the beat to Midtown next month

August 18, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Musicians perform at a past Jazz Walk at TheBurg office.

Music will soon ring out across Midtown.

The Central PA Friends of Jazz will bring back its annual Jazz Walk on Sept. 5, with local businesses and venues hosting musicians.

The free Friday evening event, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m., invites community members to stroll the city and pop into venues to enjoy performances by local jazz groups.

The following locations and bands will participate in Jazz Walk:

Pursuit Coworking – Jazz Walk ‘Hub’ with The Organic Vibes Trio featuring Marko Marcinko (drums), Ron Oswanski (Hammond B-3 Organ) and Chuck Redd (vibraphone)
TheBurg – Nancy and Spencer Reed (vocal/bass/guitar duo from the Poconos)
Historic Harrisburg Association – The Wave Trio featuring Roger Harris (guitar), John Christopher (bass) and Dave Santana (drums)
Midtown Scholar Bookstore – Joshua Davis and Love Salad featuring Joshua Davis (bass), Todd Harrison (drums), Jonathan Epley (guitars) and An Lai (voice)
The Millworks – Vonada/Perbetsky Quintet featuring Jay Vonada (trombone), Bill Perbetsky (trumpet), Kirk Reese (piano), Steve Meashey (bass) and Dan Monaghan (drums)
Susquehanna Art Museum – David Ballou Avant Trio featuring Dave Ballou (trumpet), Mike Kuhl (drums) and Steve Arnold (bass)
High Dive – Hassan J.J. Shakur (bass), Gavin Horning (guitar) and Larry Marshall (drums)
Midtown Cinema – Mystery Guest Soloist to be announced

The event is presented in partnership with Dauphin County Parks & Recreation as part of the Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival, which takes place Sept. 6 and 7 at Fort Hunter Park.

For more information about Jazz Walk, visit their website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Highway construction will close I-83 ramp for extended period, detours to be in place

August 15, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

A graphic of the planned ramp closure and detour (courtesy PennDOT)

A key accessway to I-83 soon will shut down for an extended period of time.

On Friday, the PA Department of Transportation announced that the 19th Steet ramp in Harrisburg will close on Sunday, Aug. 24, and not reopen until a new 19th Street bridge and interchange is completed as part of the I-83 widening project.

During construction, a long-term detour will be in place. Drivers should take Paxton Street east to 32nd Street, turn left on 32nd Street, then turn right at Wayne Street and proceed to the ramp to northbound I-83.

In addition to the ramp closure, there will be rolling stops the night of Aug. 24 on northbound I-83 so sign structure work can be performed. There will be rolling stops of up to 15 minutes in the northbound direction between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. Monday morning.

This work is part of the first of two contracts for East Shore Section 3 of the I-83 Capital Beltway Project.

This contract includes widening and reconstructing portions of the I-83 roadway, construction of overhead bridges at 29th Street and 19th Street, construction of the new Cameron Street Interchange, removing the 13th Street interchange, and roadway improvements along the Cameron Street, 19th Street and 29th Street corridors.

New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co. of New Enterprise, Pa., is the contractor on the $154.6 million project.

All work on this contract is expected to be completed by Oct. 12, 2027, according to PennDOT.

The second East Shore Section 3 contract is expected to be under construction from 2025 to 2028 and includes widening and reconstruction on I-83, construction of the 13th Street bridge and approaches, and construction of the 17th Street interchange and widening 17th Street.

For more information on the East Shore Section 3 and the I-83 Capital Beltway Project, visit I83 Capital Beltway- Home (i-83beltway.com).

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 15, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Dan Miller announced his acceptance of the Republican nomination for mayor of Harrisburg.

Have you dug into our August issue of the magazine yet? If not, we have several stories linked below, as well as all of our reporting from this week.

August is best spent beating the heat with family by your side, says our columnist. She takes readers to the Poconos for hiking, swimming and crafting.

Bob’s Art Blog was on the road, traveling to North Carolina, Virgina and back to Harrisburg for a special ribbon cutting. He also previewed several upcoming art happenings, here.

College preparations should begin early, and our writer shares tips for saving from local financial planners.

Dan Miller, a Democrat, announced that he would accept the Republican nomination for mayor of Harrisburg, our online story reported. At his press conference, he made his case for how he would run the government better than the current mayor, who will be his opponent in November.

Home sales and prices both increased in July, our story reported. For the three-county region, 634 houses sold compared to 608 in July 2024, as the median price rose to $310,000 from $286,000.

Ice cream is art, says our columnist, and The Jigger Shop in Mount Gretna has some of the best. Find out more about the history of the café and about upcoming art events, here

International students and officials from local universities share their reactions to recent federal policy changes and rhetoric. Read our magazine story to find out more.

New Cumberland Music + Film Festival will return for its third year with indie movies and music, our online story reported. Organizers hope that the event showcases art and brings people together.

Public transportation in Harrisburg has a flawed past, but officials have positive changes in the works. Our writer takes a look at the system, in our magazine story.

Sara Bozich has a roundup of all of this weekend’s events in the Harrisburg area, here.

Wake & Bake Café recently opened in downtown Harrisburg, serving homemade treats and beverages, our magazine story reported.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

You May Also Like

1. Commute PA

2. Pave Commute

3. UberX Share

4. Commute With Enterprise

What Are the Best Platforms to Find Carpool Matches?

Choose the Best Carpool Platform for You

You May Also Like

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

🆕 Quick Weekend Links: Thursday • Friday • Saturday • Sunday

New + Noteworthy

Sara’s Top Picks

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like